Several months ago we had neighbors move into the corner house. Well, the wife moved into the house. Then the remodeling started and she had all kinds of things being done; new floors, painting, new roof, and I don't know what all. She and her sister came over one night and introduced themselves. They were from California. The sister wasn't moving here (yet). The husband was still in California. Well, she was here a couple months, maybe, and then came over and announced that she and her hubby had to fly to Hawaii where they had a house. They wanted to fix it up and get it ready to sell, and sell it, before coming back here to live. I think she said her husband was a pastor/missionary. I'm not sure about that - or if that was the sister and her husband. I hadn't really gotten to know them yet as I have been sort of a recluse the past couple of years. Cricket and her husband (yes, that must be a nickname) have been gone probably six months or more in Hawaii. I think I mentioned that a month or so ago she sent us this big box of Hawaiian cookies - and they were so good! Hubby got a text this morning that they have finally sold their house in Hawaii and have their airline tickets to return home Thursday this week, arriving Friday afternoon.
I'm hoping that we can become good friends. She is a talker, though! But, I've only met her twice and when I meet people for the first couple of times, I don't usually say much. (can you believe that?) She's young enough (well, younger than me and since they are retired must assume they are in their 60's) and seems to be pretty active. I am so wanting someone to walk with and talk with. Yes, I have neighbors that I can probably become closer to, but haven't put forth the effort. Working sometimes puts a dent in being a good neighbor versus just a neighbor. I'm thinking that since they are coming in Friday afternoon, that I might pick up some staples like eggs, bread, milk, etc. to put in her refrigerator for when they arrive. Perhaps a gallon of tea. I'll have to think about it. We do have their key and their mail, which we can also take over there on Friday. I think it would be nice they wouldn't have to think about running to the store as soon as they get home. After six months or more of being gone, they probably don't have anything in the refrigerator. I haven't been inside since they remodeled. Interestingly, she had mentioned that they bought the house unseen. Which was a mistake, I think she found out because there was a lot wrong that was not disclosed and the house had closed before she came out to check it out. They bought it online, sight unseen. I just couldn't do that. Ok, I guess that is enough of my thinking about that, but since hubby came in and told me the news of their return, that is what is on my mind.
Back to another work week and two evenings out to dinner with friends. Hubby's Tuesday night group decided that we all (including spouses) should meet for dinner. On Tuesday. The restaurant that had been chosen was Claim Jumper that USED to not be far... but when we checked online, that is a location that had been closed, so guess we will be going to a Maccaroni Grill near that location. Their food is ok - overrated, I think and pricey - but good. So that is Tuesday night, and Thursday evening we will be meeting up with friends we've known for years that we encouraged in the faith and helped them grow as they became Christians. He just celebrated 30+ years of being sober. So other than work, that is our week.
I did get a huge surprise yesterday with a text from my oldest son. He said an Amazon box would be arriving and to open it and be happy. I don't care what it is, he thought about me and that means a lot all by itself. Can't believe they are celebrating 31 years of marriage this week. Where has the time gone? Of course we will be celebrating 40 years in August - what a ride it has been! I'm excited to be able to look forward to a package that I didn't buy! I told the Amazon delivery person a few weeks ago that I'm glad they could still find my house, since I haven't ordered much since Christmas.
Today's devotional was quite thought-provoking. It was a poem, actually, and I thought about putting it on here but it is quite lengthy and copyright laws, etc.... well, the poem is about regrets and wishes. It's a story about one's life. The wishes of what we had not done, and the regrets of what we have done over the years. It does make one pause and think... as I look back over my life, what are the things that I wish I had done differently? What are the things I am grateful I held on to? What do I regret in my past. Oh many responses came to my mind as I wrote those questions. Many regrets, many wishes. What about you? As you look over the past years of your life, what comes to your mind that you are glad you did, or wish you hadn't? What are those regrets?
Our message at church yesterday was on the Shunammite woman and her son. And Elisha. Remember that story? Elisha told the woman she would have a son, even though she didn't ask. The son has a heat stroke or something - and dies in his mother's arms. She puts him on Elisha's bed and then goes to Elisha. Now mind you, every time someone asked her about her or her son, she would always respond "all is well". Until she got to Elisha and grabbed hold of his feet. Long story short (read about it in 2 Kings 4).... Elisha goes back to her house and lays across her son. Nothing. Elisha paces back and forth. Then he once again lays across the boy's body. The boy sneezes 7 times and opens his eyes. He came back to life.
What is it in your life that you need to sneeze about and 'come back to life'? What burden are you carrying that you need to 'sneeze' and let go of?
I've noticed that when I have a sinus cold and feel all clogged up, that if I sneeze, it releases all that and the pressure goes away. Have you ever noticed that?
What if, we gave all that pressure of life, all these issues and problems, all these burdens, to Jesus... and came back to 'Life'? Something to think about.
Sneeze!
Blessings!
